MGL said:
I'd rather front load my leisure time and enjoyment and have to work for a longer period than front load my work and possibly never live to see the benefits.
Sounds good now, but maybe we should ask you again in 10 years.

Time is precious, no doubt, but 10 years goes by one way or another, and as Steve41 has highlighted, you would be much further ahead in 10 short years, than working half time for 40 years. 40 years is a really long time. How many people on this board have been alive for 40 years, let alone working for 40?
I like to work, but someday I would like to not "have to work" if I choose. There are also risks to employability to consider such as restructuring, job loss, elimination of demand for your skills, disability etc. The longer your working career, the greater the risk. Better to bank the savings early. Less risk, more disposable income, more freedom.
STone said:
Family comes first. The most I would want to work is 40hrs/week. I have 2 young children and I want to be there for them at every opportunity.
No doubt. However, I have girlfriends who say that they enjoy going to work while the kids are young. It gives the kids the parents a break from each other, gives the parent some daytime adult interaction, and refreshes the relationship between the parent and child. You appreciate the little ones that much more when you see them again. Plus, many kids love daycare/caregivers. I have noticed that my girlfriends who have gone back to work at least part time seem much happier and more well-adjusted to motherhood than those that stay home 100%. My observation only. Besides, doing a good solid week's work is great for the self-esteem, mind, and soul. No need to be shy about a little hard work.
